Category: Uncategorized

  • What did Bilawal and Zardari talk about before he left for Dubai?

    What did Bilawal and Zardari talk about before he left for Dubai?

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called his father, party’s co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, soon after a controversial interview he gave to Hamid Mir aired on Geo News.

    The former president of Pakistan and Bilawal’s father, Asif Ali Zardari, during an exclusive interview with Hamid Mir on Geo News’ program “Capital Talk”, said that Bilawal is “inexperienced” and that it would take some time for him to gain more exposure, on Thursday.

    “Bilawal is much more talented than I am, but he isn’t experienced,” he said.

    Talking to Geo News’ Shahzeb Khanzada on Friday, Hamid Mir said that soon after the interview, Bilawal called Zardari to explain his narrative.

    “Now, after giving the interview, when he sat in his room, Bilawal called him in front of me. Bilawal tried explaining it to him — and just like a father would talk to his son — Zardari told Bilawal that you don’t need to explain yourself to me,” Mir added.

    He further explained that Zardari told his son the questions were very tough, and he needed to answer them. “Bilawal tried to explain that his narrative wasn’t targeting him and that he was talking about the politics that’s been going on for the past 70 years.”

    According to Mir, Zardari responded with a yes and further said, “But you don’t need to clarify yourself.”

    Bilawal then told Zardari that he would not be able to watch his interview completely because he was boarding a plane to Dubai, Mir said, adding that the former foreign minister said he would watch the interview later.

    Mir asked Zardari why Bilawal was leaving for Dubai. He explained that Sanam Bhutto was coming to Dubai and that he would also leave for Dubai. He said that it was a family gathering and it was pre-planned. Zardari and Bilawal are set to come back soon.

    Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been campaigning across the country, touting his party as the solution to Pakistan’s ills, while also asking “old politicians (babay)” to sit back and allow the new generation to lead from the front in the elections slated to take place on February 8 next year.

    “Several PPP old-aged leaders, I got to know, also asked Bilawal whether he wanted them to leave. But Bilawal told them that he did not want them to leave. He told them that he wasn’t talking about them.”

    Mir, however, also said that there is no doubt that several questions have been raised after this interview. “But because I’ve known Zardari for years, his actual message wasn’t about Bilawal. But since he’s his son, it became the headlines.”

  • Cold rainy weekend ahead for Sindh and Balochistan

    Cold rainy weekend ahead for Sindh and Balochistan

    The Metrological Department has predicted rain in areas of Sindh and Balochistan.

    Punjab is to have overcast conditions in the plain regions but it will largely be covered with smog and fog earlier in the day.

    Tharparker, Umarkot, Badeen, Mirpurkhas, and Thatta will face heavy rain with thunderstorms. Light rain is possible in Karachi and Jamshoro as well.

    The Meteorological Department has said that a system of winds has entered the country from the west which will cause gales in the western and southern regions of Balochistan along with thunderstorms.

  • How does the artificial rain happen?

    How does the artificial rain happen?

    As smog spreads across Punjab, causing a potential health hazard, the caretaker government of the province is considering artificial rain to combat the toxic pollution.

    Cloud formation

    To make artificial rain, there need to be clouds. Experts are saying that they can find these clouds and then use a process called cloud seeding to make it rain.

    Cloud seeding is like giving clouds a little push to make them release rain. Scientists found out about the process in 1946, when they discovered that by using a special mix of silver iodide and dry ice, they could make clouds produce more ice and eventually rain.

    Nowadays, we still use silver iodide and dry ice for cloud seeding, but we’ve gotten better at it. The meteorological department in Pakistan has already tried it out successfully. Other countries, like Gulf nations, also use artificial rain.

    In the United Arab Emirates, scientists are trying a new method, using water-absorbing salt flares. These flares release tiny salt particles into the air, which activate the clouds and speed up the rain-making process. It’s like a high-tech way of helping nature create rain when it’s needed.

    Why is artificial rain important?

    Artificial rain is important because it can help clear out the smog in cities. When it rains, it washes away the pollutants in the air, making it easier for people to breathe and improving overall air quality. It’s a smart solution to a serious problem.

  • Bilawal leaves suddenly for Dubai, day after Zardari says BBZ has a lot to learn

    Bilawal leaves suddenly for Dubai, day after Zardari says BBZ has a lot to learn

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari left the country for Dubai on Friday following what appears to be a dispute with his father.

    Bilawal’s departure comes a day after his father, former President Asif Ali Zardari, said in an interview on Geo News that he was still training his son.

    Bilawal left the country on a private flight. The party is yet to disclose the reason for his visit.

    In a seeming act of defiance to his father, Bilawal changed his profile picture on X on Friday afternoon, to a photo with his mother Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister and head of the PPP till her assassination in 2017.

    The former president of Pakistan and Bilawal’s father, Asif Ali Zardari, during an exclusive interview with Hamid Mir on Geo News’ program “Capital Talk”, said that Bilawal is “inexperienced” and that it would take some time for him to gain more exposure, on Thursday.

    “Bilawal is much more talented than I am, but he isn’t experienced,” he said.

    The former president said the new generation has its own mindset and the right to express itself.

    He further stated that if he tried to intervene in their affairs, it would just lead to more mess.

    “If Bilawal says, ‘You do politics, I won’t’, then what can I do? People learn over time in politics. I have made several mistakes myself.”

    Zardari also mentioned that Bilawal’s narrative would’ve been the same if we were doing business, “You [Zardari] don’t know anything. It’s the same in politics.”

    Zardari said he is the president of the PPPP, which is authorised to allocate election tickets, while his son Bilawal is chairman of the PPP. “I allocate tickets,” he said.

  • Islamophobic Dutch leader Geert Wilders seeks to form government after election victory

    Islamophobic Dutch leader Geert Wilders seeks to form government after election victory

    Far-right populist leader Geert Wilders is all set to form a coalition government after a dramatic election victory.
    Geert is openly anti-Islam and anti-EU, with aims to take the country out of the Union and banning the Quran. He also wants restrictions on asylum and immigration.

    Against all predictions, Wilders’ party PVV won 37 out of 150 seats on Wednesday, well ahead of 25 for a joint Labour/Green ticket and 24 for the conservative People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

    Talks for the formation of a coalition will follow in the coming months. “I would be very happy to become the Dutch prime minister, of course,” Wilders told party members who welcomed him with champagne and cake, adding that he was willing to negotiate.

    It is predicted that he will have to compromise on his motives because the other parties may not agree to the anti-islam and anti-EU demands.
    Wilders’ victory has caused shockwaves all across Europe, sending a message to all populist leaders across the continent that “a new Europe is possible”.

  • ‘Experience is experience; Bilawal is inexperienced’: Asif Ali Zardari

    ‘Experience is experience; Bilawal is inexperienced’: Asif Ali Zardari

    Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been campaigning across the country, touting his party as the solution to Pakistan’s ills, while also asking “old politicians (babay)” to sit back and allow the new generation to lead from the front in the elections slated to take place on February 8 next year.

    The former president of Pakistan and Bilawal’s father, Asif Ali Zardari, during an exclusive interview with Hamid Mir on Geo News’ program “Capital Talk”, said that Bilawal is “inexperienced” and that it would take some time for him to gain more exposure.

    “Bilawal is much more talented than I am, but he isn’t experienced,” he said.

    Zardari said the new generation in every house says, “Dad, you don’t know anything”.

    The former president said the new generation has its own mindset and the right to express itself.

    He further stated that if he tried to intervene in their affairs, it would just lead to more mess.

    “If Bilawal says, ‘You do politics, I won’t’, then what can I do? People learn over time in politics. I have made several mistakes myself.”

    Zardari also mentioned that Bilawal’s narrative would’ve been the same if we were doing business, “You [Zardari] don’t know anything. It’s the same in politics.”

    Zardari said during his tenures, there was no political prisoner as he had never resorted to revenge politics. “Every now and then, new allegations were leveled against me, but I never responded to them.”

    Speaking about the different mindsets of the top PPP leaders, Zardari stated that there are two parties — PPP and Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP).

    Zardari said he is the president of the PPPP, which is authorised to allocate election tickets, while his son Bilawal is chairman of the PPP. “I allocate tickets,” he said.

    He also confirmed he has the authority to issue a ticket for Bilawal in the next polls.

    Zardari said his party is actively campaigning because it is certain that general elections will take place on February 8, next year.

  • ‘Bollywood films should be screened in Pakistan’: Humayun Saeed

    ‘Bollywood films should be screened in Pakistan’: Humayun Saeed

    Pakistani actor and producer Humayun Saeed was a guest on Samaa TV’s ‘Gup Shab’ where he was asked about his opinion on whether Bollywood films should screen in Pakistani cinemas by a member of the studio audience. The actor responded:

    “They should screen in our cinemas. I have never been against this decision. Bollywood produces a lot of films and releases four films every week, while we release less films. But a cinema should always screen more films regardless of which country they’re from. Whether they’re from Hollywood, Turkey, we should keep screening films in our cinemas, so that people keep going to cinemas.”

    Humayun previously spoke in favour of strengthening ties between Bollywood and Pakistani actors. In August, during an interview with Bollywood Hungama, the ‘Mere Pass Tum Ho’ actor recalled meeting Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan telling him in 2005 that Pakistani films should play in India.

    READ MORE: Humayun Saeed reveals Shah Rukh Khan once told him Pakistani films should release in India

    “There was a lot of excitement when I met Shah Rukh. He was very sweet to me. We were in his room and he made me sit with him and discussed Indian and Pakistan films with me. That time there was a Mehreen Jabbar and a Shaan film in the theatres and SRK was talking about them. He said that Pakistani films should be released in India and vice versa. He made me comfortable. Since I had just come the previous day to the sets, I did not know exactly what to do. Shah Rukh said ‘main sambhal lunga.’ The overall moment was very special.”

  • Show cause notice issued to Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi

    Show cause notice issued to Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi

    The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) issued a detailed show-cause notice to Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi on Wednesday, urging him to respond within 14 days.

    The show-cause was served with a 4-1 majority vote, with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Sardar Tariq, Justice Ameer Bhatti, and Justice Naeem Afghan voting in favor, while Justice Ijazul Ahsan dissented.

    The notice comes in response to 10 complaints filed against Justice Naqvi, addressing allegations of financial misconduct and possessing assets beyond means.

    Ten complaints include the complaints of Mian Dawood, a Lahore-based lawyer, Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz Lawyers Forum, Punjab, PBC Vice Chairperson Haroon Rasheed and Council’s Chairperson Executive Committee Hasan Raza Pasha and Advocate Ghulam Murtaza Khan, for amassing illegitimate assets and misconduct.

    During the SJC meeting, complainants presented evidence, while Justice Naqvi’s objections were also reviewed by the council.

    Justice Naqvi previously challenged the SJC inquiry, asserting that it was launched based on alleged misconduct and assets beyond means.

    The objections raised by Justice Naqvi were examined during Tuesday’s meeting by council members, who also heard perspectives from complainants.

    The allegations against Justice Naqvi involve financial misconduct, and the show-cause notice underscores the seriousness with which the SJC is approaching the matter.

    The hearing is scheduled to continue, and Justice Naqvi’s response will be pivotal in determining the course of the proceedings.

  • GQ Middle East honours Gazan journalist Motaz Azaiza as ‘Man Of The Year’

    GQ Middle East honours Gazan journalist Motaz Azaiza as ‘Man Of The Year’

    GQ Middle East has announced that this year they are awarding the coveted ‘Man Of The Year’ dedication to Gazan journalist and photographer Motaz Azaiza, a leading voice in spreading awareness about the ongoing genocide of Gaza.

    In their dedication, the publication honoured Motaz for becoming the embodiment of hope for the people of Gaza and the rest of the world with his coverage. “His work personifies the power of digital activism,” the publication wrote. “And his humanity is an important reminder that bravery appears in many forms. Sometimes we choose it, other times it chooses us, and in the case of Azaiza, choice wasn’t even an option.”

    The publication further stated this year, they were no longer setting up categories honouring different people with titles like Iconoclast, Maverick or Legend, because with Motaz among the ranks the selection carries more weight than ever before.

    “Much like his peers on the ground in Gaza, he reminds us that no matter who we are or where we’re from, it’s us- ordinary people, men, and women- who have the power to enact that very change that we want to see.”

    GQ also included voices from several prominent activists and Arab figures, who commended Motaz for becoming the rallying cry against the atrocities of Gaza.

    “Living up to his middle name ‘Hilal’ which means crescent moon in Arabic, Motaz has shone a light on Gaza amidst the most obscene form of cruelty and darkness and also has shined a much-needed light into the broken hearts of millions around the world, giving us a sense of hope.” writes Kuwati-American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin. “I know you didn’t want this role of documenting the dehumanisation, and the pain of our people. I hope for Motaz a future as bright as his smile and as soothing as your voice. Your courage and ability to document and uplift millions of souls. For me, Motaz was always, and will always, be a manifestation of the heartbeat of humanity. May the universe protect you and your tribe of unsung heroes and may your life be filled with light and love. Thank you for your commitment to the truth and for showcasing Palestinian resilience against all odds. I have never been so inspired as a journalist, or a human by your soul and how it sings.”

    Huda Kattan, founder of the beauty giant Huda Beauty writes: “His courage is so inspiring. He’s risking his life to share the story of his people and never stopping through everything. He continues to fight and give his people a voice. Motaz gives us all the power to really stand up and it’s so inspiring to see. In times where there’s so much darkness, he still finds a way to show the humanity of what’s going on. We’ve never had a chance like this to get so up close and personal to any conflict, and that’s because of him and people like him. He has forever changed us in so many ways, but mostly because of his courage.”

    Israeli-Palestinian actor Adam Bakri wrote on how Motaz had single-handedly changed the definition of stardom, with how he became a hero for the people of Gaza:

    “Motaz Azaiza, with a smile on his face, carrying a weathered, oversized red teddy bear while carefully descending from a towering heap of rubble in Gaza… That image will stay with me forever. The glamour and fame associated with movie stars and pop stars are now completely devoid of any real significance to me. In fact, the definition of the term ‘star’ is altogether altered. Brave souls like Motaz are the true stars, at least in my eyes. He defies every conventional stereotype associated with heroism. He has inspired me to embark on an even deeper introspection regarding my own life. How can I infuse greater significance and purpose into my daily existence? How might I elevate my own journey to a level of heroism, echoing a universal resonance of utter selflessness and empathy? Motaz, unquestionably, stands as the embodiment of what it means to be truly human.“

  • Court wants Imran Khan, Qureshi present at Federal Judicial Complex for hearing

    Court wants Imran Khan, Qureshi present at Federal Judicial Complex for hearing

    On Thursday, a special court established under the Official Secrets Act 2023 ordered authorities to present Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and the Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi on November 28 at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC).   

    The orders were issued in today’s meeting, conducted outside Adiala jail for the first time after Islamabad High Court’s order to annul the August 29 notification for a jail trial. 

    Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain asked for a copy of the recent IHC order on jail trial. After reading the order, the judge told Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s lawyer, Ali Bukhari, that the order is a big victory for his client.

    On Tuesday, the IHC declared null and void the notification of Imran Khan’s jail trial in the cipher case.

    The IHC order also stated that all the notifications issued by the ministry regarding Imran Khan’s jail trial are not valid according to law because they do not follow procedure and fulfill necessary requirements.

    Former prime minister Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been booked under the Official Secrets Act 1923 in the cipher case.